One to watch: Bayern’s midfield sensation Niklas Dorsch

Despite, Bayern Munich slipping to a surprise 2-1 away defeat on Saturday afternoon at the hands of German second division side, Karlsruher SC, there was one positive to take away from FCB’s perspective – the performance of an 18-year old centre midfielder, who goes by the name of Niklas Dorsch.

The youngster was introduced in the 66th minute and impressed in his 24-minute spell on the pitch. Born in a small town north of Bavaria, Lichtenfeis, the starlet spent his early years at 1. FC Nürnberg, before moving to the Bundesliga giants aged just 14.

Dubbed “the new Schweinsteiger” it seems Bayern have a real talent on their hands and a potential centre midfield Bavarian successor to former player Bastian Schweinsteiger or Phillip Lahm.

Although the youngster has yet to become a household name, he has impressed for Christian Wuck’s Germany under 17’s, becoming a fan favourite due to his skill and personality. Likewise, the followers of Bayern’s youth academy have been impressed by what they have seen.

He was promoted to play for Bayern’s second team in April last year due to his standout performances, moving straight from the Under 17’s and missing the 19’s, making him the second youngest player for FCB II. Dorsch is seen as the most talented youth prodigy in the Bayern ranks.

He sustained an injury against Belgium last May in the Under 17 European Champions, but this hasn’t bothered the teen sensation – it’s spurred him on and he has come back stronger. Despite his injury, Dorsch was awarded the Silver Fritz Walter Medal for being an outstanding German talent for his age.

Seen as a technical player and somebody who likes to bring the ball from the back, he can play in the holding midfield position, left wing and the number 10 role. His style is similar to that of close friend and former Bayern midfielder Toni Kroos.

Making eight appearances in all competitions, the number 30 will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Austrian defender David Alaba who joined the first team from the youth set-up in 2010. The fact Bayern that rarely brings any youngster’s from their academy into their first team could be seen as a worry – could Dorsch become the first German youngster in recent times to break into the star-studded Bavarians roster?

He has a very bright future ahead of him and is a name that football fans will want to keep an eye on.

Sam May

Sam May is a Sports Journalism student currently studying at the University of Chester.
He’s part of the media team at Tranmere Rovers Football Club and complete’s their official home match reports.
Aspiring to be a senior Sports Journalist or TV Commentator, he has completed a work placement with The Daily Mail. Other work lined up includes: The Independent, Press Association, Liverpool Echo, Shoot Magazine and Plymouth Argyle Football Club.
Follow Sam: @Sam95May